Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin (CC BY 2.0) · Source 3 places to visit in the Alaşehir district of Manisa: Philadelphia Ancient City, Alaşehir Grand Mosque and Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque. Plan your trip to Alaşehir with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Alaşehir was founded in antiquity under the name Philadelphia, meaning ‘the city of brotherly love’. The district is one of the districts of Manisa province, in the Aegean Region of Türkiye.
Alaşehir lies in the Inner Aegean Region, in the eastern part of the Gediz Plain. The district consists of a graben through which the Alaşehir Stream flows, and the mountains that bound it. The eastern part of the Gediz graben is an area of high earthquake risk. On 28 March 1969 an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 killed 68 people and caused 4,651 homes to collapse.
The district has a climate that shifts from Mediterranean to continental. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy.
The district’s economy is based on farming, livestock and industry. The main crops grown are grapes, followed by tobacco, cotton, grain, pears and olives. The district has 150 companies exporting grapes and 80 grape-processing businesses.
Philadelphia, founded by Attalus II of Pergamon, was intended as a Greek cultural centre to influence its neighbours. In the Roman period, aftershocks were felt almost every day in the city of Philadelphia. In the 40s AD, as Christianity spread, it became a place where Paul’s followers gathered.
Philadelphia is one of the seven churches named in the Bible. The city was walled in the 11th century, after Turkish raids. Excavations in the early 1980s partly uncovered a theatre, a temple and a stadium.
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Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin (CC BY 2.0) · Source Alaşehir's ancient name is Philadelphia. One of the seven churches named in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament was located here. The ancient city ruins and church foundations are found in the district centre.
View on mapBuilt in the Ottoman period, this mosque is the most important religious building in the district centre. It reflects the local architectural style and is significant both religiously and culturally.
View on mapA mosque begun by Yıldırım Bayezid, left unfinished because of the Battle of Ankara and completed with a wooden roof.
View on mapWhile you are in Alaşehir, you can also see the highlights of Manisa province. These places are in other districts; Alaşehir is about 110 km from the provincial centre.
Alaşehir Tahinli Pidesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 July 2023 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1423). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Alaşehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Prepared by marinating lamb in special spices and then cooking it. This dish has an important place on local tables and is prepared using traditional recipes. It is a symbol of hospitality, prepared by local people on special occasions.
Prepared by threading small pieces of meat onto thin skewers and grilling them over charcoal. Its fresh, natural ingredients make it a healthy choice.
Alaşehir (Philadelphia) is home to one of the seven churches named in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament.
Alaşehir's economy is based on grape farming. Table and wine grape production is the district's main source of income.
Alaşehir is 110 km from Manisa provincial centre. It lies on the Izmir–Ankara highway.
The main sights in Alaşehir are: Philadelphia Ancient City, Alaşehir Grand Mosque and Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque.
Alaşehir Tahinli Pidesi, Manisa Kebabı and Çöp Şiş are the highlights of Alaşehir's tables.
Alaşehir is known for Alaşehir Asma Yaprağı and the Seven Churches Heritage. A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Alaşehir is 110 km from Manisa provincial centre. It lies on the Izmir–Ankara highway.
Suggested visit time: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.